Another email from REA

[Archive]

Posted By: Tom Boblitt

be sure you save EVERYTHING because they (FedEx, UPS, USPS) will almost always refuse the claim the first time. Especially on collectibles--not just baseball memorabilia, MOST carriers are hesitant to do anything about it because of establishment of value. I've seen a lot of claims paid on some things and not many on others. You might think some carrier is better than the other but they're all about the same. Rob Lifson has purchased an outside rider on all his incoming (and I would assume outgoing) merchandise. When I sent a T206 set to him, he requested it be sent FedEx (arrgghh) and needed the incoming tracking number for confirmation it was sent that way. His rider covered the insurance in to him. Think that may be pretty standard. Those people that insure the goods probably do it at a slight discount to the 40-50 cents per hundred dollar value that UPS charges or the much higher rates at FedEx or the Post Office. Registered Mail does offer supposedly the most secure method although I've had one of those misplaced for 2-3 weeks as well. Just buyer and seller beware on any of them. Also....in most cases, it's up to the seller to initiate a claim and they will need detailed info and potentially signature from you attesting to the fact the goods were never received.